Seven ways to connect with other moms
Do you remember the first time you set foot in the middle school cafeteria? Yea me too. It was so intimidating!
That’s a lot like what trying to make friends as an adult, and especially as a new mother can feel like. All of a sudden we are in this new role, feeling unsteady in our new bodies and full of emotion. It can feel hard to know where we fit in or like nobody feels the same way that we do.
Oftentimes, when we envision what it will be like as a new mom we picture playdates, trips to Target with baby in tow, and walks in the park with other moms. A number of things might get in the way of meeting this expectation, like baby schedules, or feeling intimidated by the idea of taking the baby out alone. “What if she cries and I can’t soothe her?” or “What if I have to nurse in public and he won’t latch?”
The pandemic has also really added an isolation element into the mix for new mothers. Mothers across the world have experienced pregnancy, (sometimes birth), and the postpartum period very much alone.
We are meant to be connected and a part of a supported community. That’s why now, more than ever, it’s so powerful for mom’s to find their community, no matter how small.
Here are six ways to connect with other moms:
1.) Join a Gym With Childcare: meeting other moms at the gym guarantees that you share a similar interest and gives you an opportunity to connect over childcare drop off and pick up. Ask to exchange numbers or connect on instagram!
2.) Take a “mommy and me” class. Taking a class like Little Gym, or Kindermusik allows you to connect with your child, while also creating an opportunity to meet other parents with children around the same ago, and shared milestones. Take this opportunity to ask another mom about advice to a teething baby, or plan a playdate!
3.) Coordinate a cookout with families from preschool or daycare: You may have the thought that, "what if nobody comes?" or "that feels like a lot of work!" I get it. If coordinating isn't your thing, start small with asking your child's teacher who they connect with the most.
4.) Use an app like peanut or mindfulmamas: Connect with other moms in your area using the Peanut app or the mindfulmamas facebook community.
5.) Start a neighborhood book club: I think we can all probably agree that the pandemic shutdown(s) have taught us the importance of neighbors and how helpful that tiny community can be. Try creating a neighborhood facebook page and planning a book club, or outdoor playdate.
6.) Join us at The Vine Charleston (a monthly membership community. We are a group of women from all stages and walks of life (moms and non-mothers) who are committed to emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness.
7.) Above all, be authentic: I have this theory that we all assume that everyone else has this whole "mom thing" more figured out than we do. I challenge you, when meeting another mom, to keep it real. Vulnerability is necessary to create true connection.
You're doing a great job, mama.
-Caroline
